15 Sep Affordable Ways to Eat Healthy from Online Dietitian Nutritionist

Healthy nutrition choices, eating behaviors, and lifestyles are the number one way to stave off chronic disease, certain cancers, reverse type 2 diabetes, and more. However, a Harvard School of Public Health study shows that healthier eating options can come with a higher price tag. This presents a double challenge, but we have some affordable solutions to share.

• One key to healthy eating on a budget is planning ahead. We often make the mistake of not packing snacks, leading us to vending machines or convenience stores. It’s important to make a grocery list and take an inventory of what we already have before heading to the store.
• Slow down and enjoy your meals; the Slow Food Movement encourages the pleasure of a good meal. It also supports healthy eating behaviors, backing the idea that how we eat is often just as important as what we eat.
• Making larger batches of food, such as sauces, soups, chili, and stews, saves time and energy, and allows for leftovers to be frozen for the next week.
• Eating in-season fruits, vegetables, and seafood is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Moreover, adding variety to your diet provides more essential nutrients.
• Reducing food waste is another way to save money. Keep leftovers organized and labeled, use food with a close expiration date first, and freeze older vegetables and fruits for later use (in soups, sauces, muffin recipes, and more).
• Sandwiches can be a healthy and economical meal option with whole-grain bread, tortillas, or bagels, paired with roasted chicken, cheese, and vegetables.
• Replace packaged chips with fresh vegetables and dip them in homemade hummus or yogurt sauce.
• Drinking water with lemon is a refreshing and cost-effective alternative to sweet drinks.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with smart substitutions such as fruit salad instead of ice cream, cutting sugar in baking recipes, and baking favorite fall fruits with yogurt. This not only saves your body from the detrimental effects of sugar, but it also saves money.

Healthy eating has long-term benefits and savings, as chronic diseases and cancer treatments can be costly. Making small changes to our eating habits can go a long way in promoting a healthier lifestyle.